10th Mid-Western Nationals - Kansas City Goodguys

It was early September and it marked the time to head out to the 10th annual Mid-Western Nationals hosted by Goodguys. This was my second year attending the event in Kansas, and every year brings new trucks that grace the pages of CLASSIC TRUCKS. Previous years were plagued with heat waves but the last two events I attended were in the high 70s spiking to around 85 degrees in the afternoon. Locals that found out I was from California said it that I bring the San Diego weather with me on the plane, but if that were the case, why does it always rain when I get home?

2/26

It was a shorts and T-shirt kind of weekend, which drove the crowds out in the masses. This event seams to bring out some the best of the trucks from all across the mid west. Did you notice the cover?

Plain a simple, one of my favorite shows of the year not only because of the great location of Kansas City Speed Way, but the quality of dining restaurants just outside the venue is exceptional. Plus one of the biggest retail sporting goods stores I have ever been to is right down the street. What is better than sporting goods, cool trucks, polite people and great food? Not much.

Friday started off a little slow for vehicle count but by the end of the day vehicle count was above average. I travel to several Goodguy events and Saturday is always the biggest day of the show, Kansas City was no different. Just like last year, show attendants got a ticket at the gate to participate in the track cruise for FREE. Loud speakers let the spectators know what time to get ready to drive around the world famous Kansas City Speedway. It was really cool to see because the tracks inner field was lined up with vehicles and their drivers from one end to the other. Like a bunch of young kids waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, the waiting front cars would move forward a few feet only to be followed by the roar of everyone starting their motors itching to go. You could say the excitement to drive on the banked corners is a thrill in itself.

One of the highlights for me is always watching the autocross and the vast array of vehicles that 10 years ago were not capable of carving corners that fast. Thanks to tons of vendors for pushing the limits, this so called fad looks like it’s here to stay. Not only is it cool to see hotrods ripping in between cones but if you want to participate and drive the autocross track you could, well as long as you passed through tech. Nice weather brought spectators surrounding the track just to see the commotion and to also see what their vehicle could do with the right combo of parts. Then, of course, it is always great to walk far away from the action to meet the garage builders and lawn chair potato’s that always welcome a few questions from stringers about what parts they used or what color their truck is. Good people and Great times as always. CT